The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1887-11-17
COLORED COOPERATION.
Colored Societies Running Plantations
and Company Stores.
Albonn a. Cor Atlanfn Constttntion.

Albany (GG.) Cor Atlanta Constitution.
The colored people are naturally gregari-
Gus. They are fond of churches, lodges,
any organization in fact that brings bodies
of them together. The growth of societies
among them here within the last year or
two has been phenomenal A good two
story lodge building has been erected by
them here, occupied cojointly by the Odd
Fellows and @asons. About two years ago
the members of the former body went out
to Jordan's Grove, one of the great negro
settlements, about ten miles from Albany.
They went to bury deceased brother in the
cemetery there. The mysterious rites and
ceremonies and the gittering regalia made
Il profound impression upon these children
OF nature.
Immediately they began to flock into
town to look more clearly into this fascinat-
ing subject. The result was that many APP
Piled for admission and joined the lodge.
When Papa Willis, their spiritual leader,
heard of this new departure among his peo-
pie he Numbered from his pulpit anathenas
against all secret societies. They have
dealings with the DEVIL" he exclaimed
'and no one who belongs to them can get 70
heaven" The members, in fear and trem-
bling, withdrew from the societies. A few
Of the more adventurous among them,
was ever paramount in Importance to their
leaders spiritual advice. for the first time i'm
his pastorate Of over a quarter of a century
rebelled against his edict, organized for
| midable opposition TO him, aud Threatened
a terrible split in the churches by calling
talented negro preacher, Cal johnson, by
name, resident of Arlington, as their
| religious boss.
Forthwith others joined the Masons to
show that they had thrown Off the yoke of
subsection and approaching Waller in
formed him of their action.
I'VE have Joined both societies. they
said, "and we find that they have no deal
ings with Beelzebub"
Papa Willis was forced to strict neu-
trality upon the subject of societies, upon
the pain of losing his most remunerative
position. so he retains his supremacy in
other religious matters
This terv0r for charitable organizations
was not to be suppressed, even among his
most devoted adherents SO, with his sane
ton and consent, Aaron Members, one of
the leaders among his congregation, organ
lied burial society, with about 100 mem
bers. This was TO be n non-Secret society,
without pass words or grips, but to be ad-
rnitted into only by a solemn oath and with
qualifications is 10 morality and sobriety.
| The object was to administer TO the sick
among their members aud bury the dead.
These organizations known as charitable or
burial societies have grown amazingly
! among them. They are now eight in
number and contain over 1000 mem
bers. They are all in a hourishing
condition with we'll filed treasures.
The dues are but pc. per month for each
member and with the aggregation Of cap
ital great results are obtained Upon the
illness of one of their number men are de
tailed TO nurse him. A doctor, who is al
ways sure of his fee, is ut once obtained and
the best attention given him. How much
this benefits them can only be realized when
it is considered that among a thriftless peo-
pie generally living beyond their slender
wages, sickness formerly became a terrible
calamity, leaving them penniless and hope
less TO combat disease. In case of death an
undertaker's services are secured, and the
deceased buried with much ceremony.
Jordan Grove Society contains about 800
members, and has over 81 900 in the treas
ury. Shepherd Grove has purchased farm
OF 800 acres, for which they paid cash
They run six plows upon it this year All
the expenses of the farm We're paid from
the society funds. They made this season
thirty bales Of cotton, valued at over 81 800
clear profit upon the years work None of
the societies have less than $500 or 5000 in
the treasury. Oaky Lawn has 1876 merh-
bels and about $500 the Sisters
and Brothers OF Charity about 5000.
Weartricd Society has accumulated 80
large a fund that the Treasurer. Elias
Jason, states that they have decided al. o TO
purchase and run plantation. They have
opened two cooperative stores in Albany
one by the Palmyra Society, on Washing
ton street, another by three of the societies
on Broad street is doing fourishing busi-
ness. All the members of the societies in
terested are required to trade Mt the store
Said one Of the members to me: 'That
store with but one clerk does as fine a c7lsh
business on Saturdays rs any store IN town.
A grand convention of delegates from the
various societies was held in this city short
Tune siuce, the object being Ia add a bene-
iiciary clause to the other benefits.
The effect that these societies, under the
cooperative system, crude rs yea, will have
upon the future Of the race is matter OF
interesting conjecture. AS yet the effect is
4 good one. Perhaps they will solve some
OF the Yexed problems clustering around
this large body Of citizens